Foot Drop (Drop Foot)
I have it! Yesterday I went to the Orthopedic section of Loma Linda and was fitted for an ankle brace [“Ankle Foot Orthotic” (or AFO)]. It keeps my left foot at 90 degrees so it won’t drag on the floor when I walk. It works, but was very expensive but the insurance really helped. Its a “Walk-On” unit from Otto Bock.
From NIH:
What is Foot Drop?
Foot drop describes the inability to raise the front part of the foot due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles that lift the foot. As a result, individuals with foot drop scuff their toes along the ground or bend their knees to lift their foot higher than usual to avoid the scuffing, which causes what is called a “steppage” gait. Foot drop can be unilateral (affecting one foot) or bilateral (affecting both feet). Foot drop is a symptom of an underlying problem and is either temporary or permanent, depending on the cause. Causes include: neurodegenerative disorders of the brain that cause muscular problems, such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, and cerebral palsy; motor neuron disorders such as polio, some forms of spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease); injury to the nerve roots, such as in spinal stenosis; peripheral nerve disorders such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease or acquired peripheral neuropathy; local compression or damage to the peroneal nerve as it passes across the fibular bone below the knee; and muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy or myositis.
Looks like it will help. Not uncomfortable I suspect.
Your cell phone shots in previous post were pretty good.
That looks really cool!!!
it’s amazing how they come up with the most practical solutions to practically everything!!
(:
I’m not sure how much you paid for the OttoBock but here’s an alternative solution for foot drop. A soft AFO that you can wear without shoes for $100. Ordinary drop foot braces are made of hard plastic, molded into shape. The posterior extension runs up the knee, while the leading edge is inserted into the shoe. For this type of footdrop brace to be effective, a sturdy shoe is required. This kind of footdrop brace does not work with loose fitting shoes or most loafers.
Soft Foot Drop Brace is 100% self contained and can be worn without shoes! Made entirely from the thinnest neoprene available, Soft Foot Drop Brace relies on elastic strapping to maintain the position of the foot and to help prevent plantar flexion. The result is a footdrop brace that is just as effective worn barefoot as a conventional hard brace and shoe.
This elastic brace conforms beautifully to the ankle and calf. Worn under stockings, it’s practically invisible.
Ideal for hyper-mobile and post-polio afflictions. Includes a semi-rigid plantar footplate, which helps maintain the arch and provides a stable support surface.
You can find the Soft Foot Drop brace at the following link;
http://store.grandviewmedical.com/soft-foot-drop-brace.html
I have the soft Foot drop brace. Yes it can be worn with out shoes but it isn’t the end all to be all that Ron says it is. It stretches out and doesn’t hold the foot up as strong as really is needed. I was finally prescribed a AFO that was costum fit. Yes it is hard plastic and it is not pretty. The inside is a soft cushiony material that forms to your foot. It holds my foot up and I can walk with out fear of stumbling. It helps the pain in the arch area too. The custom fit AFO is the way to go for me. Expensive but it is worth it. Unfortunaly it isn’t a miracle cure. Drop foot is a true pain to deal with as any of us who deal with it daily know.
in response to some of these orthotics. i have the soft brace that Ron speaks of. It does stretch out, but it is good for sleeping with, as it is comfortable and helps prevent full contracture if worn at night. It can also be worn around the house. it is a help and at some point another pair will have to be bought eventually.
Now I was also fitted for the Walk-on. Wonderful, helpful, stable. Yet, it burns the bottom of my one foot to the point where it becomes so painful that it has to come off.
So I still have not found the balance with these products. Still looking. Will advise when I find something WONDERFUL, if ever. lol. liz
I have a complete foot drop due to an accident.
I use to wear a conventional plastic Ottobock AFO. I wear it at the office and during the day.
But i do a lot of sport like Jogging and Trekking.
I realize fast that i will need somethng more efficient to continue that way.
I have made a foot drop brace that can run Marathons. I had done 6 marathons (42.2 km) with my brace. It a custom made brace. It has no plastic sole plate, no strap at the ankle. Its a AFO but different model as you ever seen. Its stiff and soft for dosiflexion. it give a full support.
It has just a strap at the calf muscle, it fit on a conventional running shoe.
The foot is in the shoe with no other thing than the fabric of the shoe. So comfortable…like it was before. No hurt spt nothng just like in te good ol days..
If you guys want to know more, let me a message
johnny_gratton@hotmail.com
hi,
my name is tammy my husband haws been wearing a large left foot oaaao afo
walk on since his soatic nerve was cut unforntunately causing his foot drop. the brace seems to be the best so far but just can’t seem to keep up with him it keeps breaking. now that we don’t have insurance it’s hard to find a brace that we can aford, eseciallyn if it wont hold up. he is very active and normally walks with tennis shoes and it goes under the soloe inside his shoe! i am interested in knowing more about your afo! can you please send more info and a picture along with pricing!
Thank you,
Tammy
Tammy, send me your email address, my brace is for sale. It fits the left foot.
Can you ware this brace with woman’s regular flat shoes?
thank you
Billie
I too have foot drop ( Motor peripheral Neuropathy) in my right foot and now starting in my left foot. The causes are scary. I’ve had every test I know of and doctors don’t know the cause of my foot drop.
I’ve had this splint for about three or four years now and it just cracked recently. paid $800 w/ 20%discount because my Mom was a nurse. I need something a lot cheeper and stronger because i am in the construction field. Can’t they make something out of metal?